Nigerian elections can be a mixed bag. Sometimes, their outcome tends to reflect the will of the people. Sometimes, the malpractice can be glaring.
In a quest to ensure free and fair elections that reflect the will of citizens, the government of the United States of America (USA) showed support to the country in a statement released by the Department of State.
The United States government supports a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
It is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates free from outside pressure and intimidation and in a totally objective manner.
The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.
However, the government did more than talking by going ahead to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians who sabotaged the February and March 2019 elections.
In another statement released on Monday by the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, actions have been taken against some people in the run-up to the September and October 2020 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run-up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections,” the statement read.
These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.
It was emphasized that the actions announced were specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people.
This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.
A day after, the government of the United Kingdom (UK) also reeled out warnings against plans to sabotage the upcoming elections.
As a friend and partner of Nigeria we are closely following the lead up to the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states scheduled for September 19 and October 10 respectively.
These elections are important, both as an essential element of effective governance within both states and an indicator of the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
We will be deploying observation missions to both the Edo and Ondo elections and supporting civil society led observation.
The UK takes a strong stand against election-related violence and, just as we did in the general election in 2019, will continue to take action against individuals we identify as being responsible for violence during the elections.
This could include restrictions on their eligibility to travel to the UK, restrictions on access to UK based assets or prosecution under international law.
The identities of those restricted by the US were not disclosed.